Technical Assistant at International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Job Details

icipe seeks to recruit a Technical Assistant in the African Fruit Fly Programme (AFFP). The position is tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus. The position is for an initial fixed-term of 2 years, renewable, based on performance and availability of funds. This is a nationally recruited position. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Overall Purpose of the Job

To support scientists and students in carrying out experiments and reporting on the same for all African Fruit Programme-related activities.

Specific Duties

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Conduct laboratory and field experiments as prescribed by scientists following icipe scientific procedures and guidelines;
• Collect and record data for scientific research and maintain a proper data retrieval system;
• Enter data from experiments/trials using appropriate computer software;
• Perform basic analyses of data and generate reports for both internal and external use;
• Care for and maintain colonies of insects and natural enemies related to the African Fruit Fly Programme;
• Assist in identifying and maintaining excellent contact/rapport with farming communities involved in the Fruit Fly Programme R&D work and assist in their training;
• Ensure that experimental equipment and laboratories are clean and well maintained;
• Monitor and facilitate in the procurement of lab supplies in a timely manner, and maintain an inventory of supplies and equipment at all times;
• Participate in the training of interns and students on attachment;
• Assist in driving AFFP staff whenever required;
• Supervise junior technical staff and assist them to overcome work bottlenecks that they may encounter, and report on the same to supervisors in timely manner;
• Undertake any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Higher diploma in entomology or zoology.
• Candidates with working experience in a busy research laboratory with extensive fieldwork related to crop pests and parasitoids will have an added advantage.

Core Competencies

• Experience in postharvest disinfestation of fruit and vegetables.
• Experience in handling and working with insects and their natural enemies is desirable, but not mandatory.
• Proven track record of writing scientific and technical reports.
• Must be computer literate.

Other Desirable Attributes

• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Fast thinking and able to solve day-to-day research challenges in a practical manner.
• Maintains frequent contact with scientists and other technical staff for exchange of information.
• A team player with ability to maintain harmonious working relationship in a multi-cultural and multi-racial environment.

Reporting

This position reports to the Project Leader.